Pomodoro technique: Concentrated work
Time management is important in order to organize your working day well and use it effectively, which is where the Pomodoro technique comes in. It helps you to maintain your focus so that distractions in the office no longer stand a chance!
What is the Pomodoro technique?
The Pomodoro technique is a self-management method that originated in the 1980s. Its inventor, the Italian entrepreneur Francesco Cirillo, gave this technique the name Pomodoro (Italian for tomato) because his kitchen clock was shaped like a tomato. And because he recognized as a student how important breaks are for effective work in order to escape procrastination.
How does the Pomodoro technique work?
Basically, all you need for the Pomodoro method is a kitchen timer (the alarm clock function on your smartphone works just as well these days*) and the will to make a change. And perhaps that’s why this method hasn’t lost any of its validity in recent decades, because it’s simple and accessible to everyone.
The Pomodoro technique works as follows:
Create a to-do list
Set the kitchen timer to 25 minutes
Work on the first task until the first bell rings
After the bell rings, cross what you have done off the list
Take a 3-4 minute break, take a deep breath
Repeat points 2-5
After the 4th round (4th point on the to-do list), take a 20-30 minute break
Of course, it doesn’t have to be exactly 25 minutes, because some smaller tasks can also be completed in this time.
But these 25 minutes are said to be the perfect unit for concentration.
- Francesco Cirillo insisted that you only use pen and paper with this method to avoid further distractions. Of course, this is no longer feasible in the computer age, but you should use a kitchen timer instead of a smartphone if you have the option.
Fun fact: The 25 minutes plus 3-4 minute break is called Pomodori, after 4 such Pomodori units a longer break of 20-30 minutes is recommended.
This technique can be customized depending on the to-do list.
For example, if you have a lot of smaller tasks to do (phone calls, writing emails, etc.), you can pack them into one unit. If, on the other hand, you have a very large task ahead of you that will take up the whole day, you should always concentrate on it for 25 minutes and then take breaks as described above.
Basically, the Pomodoro technique can also be reduced to this: Concentrated work, break, concentrated work, break, concentrated work, …
What is the Pomodoro technique useful for?
Basically, this technique is used to be more focused and concentrated atwork, but it also has some positive side effects. The division into units plus breaks provides an energy booster. Regular breaks provide new energy. You are more motivated, thanks to the breaks, which are small rewards, and at the same time ticking off the items on your to-do list
A small sense of achievement is an important part of this method. You work with more concentration because you have set yourself the task and 25 minutes is a good guideline for losing yourself in a task – until the alarm clock rings. The manageability of the to-do list means that even large tasks suddenly seem smaller and the effort to get started is not so great.
Multitasking is a myth, as we hear more and more often. This method allows you to concentrate on a single thing for a while. This automatically increases your focus. What’s more, using this method gives you a better overview of your day-to-day work.
Basically, you log your work steps and at the end of the day you can see exactly how long it took you to do what and when. Things like self-discipline and a concrete daily plan are also included.
Helpful tips for using the Pomodoro technique
Every beginning is a change. It is therefore advisable to start with the Pomodoro technique with 2 hours of 4 Pomodori.
- In these first two hours, you should make sure you have banished all distractions. In the office, this means closing doors and windows, putting your smartphone on the display, setting a timer and getting started.
- Especially at the beginning, try not to look at your watch all the time (Are the 25 minutes up already? How much longer? Is the watch even working properly?)
- You should not use the shorter breaks for an initial summary or to think about your work. The break is yours. Take a few steps through the office, grab a coffee or a glass of fresh water and let your mind wander. Once the break is over, move on to the next unit.
- Once you have done this, the first hour is already over. Half time. Two more sessions and you can enjoy a longer break. You can use this time to draw your first conclusions.
- Do the 25 minutes form a good unit for you? Were you able to concentrate better than usual during this time? What can you change or adapt to make this technique ideal for you? But don’t forget one thing in all this thinking: every innovation takes time for us to get used to it.
- If you have not been able to concentrate, ask yourself: “Can I concentrate better without any other method?” If your answer is no, you should keep at it. After all, concentration is something that our minds can learn and train. Don’t give up, learn to focus!